Midtown Bar & Grill

Midtown attracts the preppy, button-downed masses of Charleston to Upper King Street. Being a bar, they've got plenty of beer, a number of specialty drinks, and a massive list of shots, and they're able to draw a hefty weekend crowd with live music (it's a good thing they expanded into 52.5 Records' old space). Lunchtime is a quieter affair. Though the dark, brick interior isn't the most ambient of dining rooms, the food is solid. The menu is Southern-inspired; pulled pork is everywhere, featured in taquitos, a wrap, a sandwich, and as an entrée. Get their "signature" sweet tea-marinated pork chop, fried, with some mac 'n' cheese (they offer a variety of sides, from fries to fried okra). Pimento cheese comes on a grilled sandwich and on a burger, topped off with sweet grilled onions and a generous heap of bacon. Brunch has all the basics — french toast, biscuits and gravy, shrimp and grits — and a build-your-own Bloody Mary. If the weather's nice, enjoy your meal out in their courtyard. —Susan Cohen, Dish (Summer 2012)